School’s gardening club is ‘growing’ from strength to strength

A gardening club set up at a Ruskington school is growing in popularity as budding farmers and horticulturalists sow the seeds of a future career.

A dozen children from Chestnut Street C of E Primary School have already joined the after-school club since it was revived a few months ago.

Rasied beds at the garden club already show things sprouting

The children from years four, five and six, have been planting and caring for a variety of vegetables including broad beans, garlic, onions and potatoes.

Now the are appealing for equipment to help the youngsters grow their gardening opportunities even further.

The school’s admin assistant Elizabeth Webster, who revived the club after it closed some time ago, said: “The club does not have a budget and as this has not run for some time we are in need of some equipment such as top soil, horse manure, watering cans, a wheelbarrow and gardening tools. Plus we would love to have a greenhouse.”

So far the club has been given timber from Buildbase in Sleaford for raised beds, and some compost and bulbs from Anwick Garden Centre.

Young James prepares to do some digging.

Along with gardening and nurturing crops - the children have also been demonstrating enterprising skills - by selling fruit, bulbs and potatoes to the local community.

“The children are keeping a cash book which gives the club the opportunity to look at what they would like to buy and what is affordable,” said Elizabeth. “Each child has said they would like a greenhouse to grow plants and so would I. As we grow fruit and vegetables we will be able to taste and cook, we will also explore the use of colour and scent in the garden. Measuring our success is also important to the children and each has a diary. The club creates a lovely social opportunity and includes everyone equally allowing us to work together as a team. We would welcome anyone who would like to visit or would like to help in anyway. This could be hands-on or by talking to the group and sharing your experiences and ideas.”

Head teacher Laura Suffield added: “Gardening Club is an fantastic addition to the school and is having a significant impact on the children and the wider School. The children very much enjoy the club and this is due, in no small part, to Mrs Webster’s enthusiasm and desire for the children to learn about planting, nurturing and growing different plants and vegetables. They also do a fantastic job around the grounds and we have lovely pots and flowers around the grounds which make it beautifully colourful and welcoming.

“Gardening Club is something which the school and children are exceptionally proud of and I am so grateful for everything they do and have done to enhance the children’s learning.”